Car accidents can turn lives upside down in an instant. Whether it’s a minor car accident or a serious crash, dealing with the aftermath can be overwhelming. You have to worry about medical bills, car repairs, and communicating with the insurance company, all while trying to recover from your injuries.
So, is it worth getting an attorney for a car accident? At Ross Moore Law, we firmly believe the answer is yes. In this blog post, we’ll explain why hiring an Atlanta car accident lawyer is crucial.
Why You Should Hire an Attorney for a Car Accident
You may wonder if hiring a car accident attorney is necessary, especially if the accident seems minor. However, even in cases of minor car accidents, there can be significant legal and financial consequences. Here are some reasons why hiring a car accident lawyer is worth it.
Navigating Legal Complexities
Navigating insurance claims and the legal process can be complicated, especially if the case isn’t straightforward. Georgia law operates under a comparative negligence system, which means that fault can be shared between multiple drivers. If you are partially at fault, it could reduce your compensation.
A car accident lawyer will navigate the legal complexities for you, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you don’t unknowingly forfeit any potential compensation.
Handling the Insurance Company
One of the biggest reasons to hire a car accident lawyer is to deal with the insurance company. Insurance companies are businesses, and their primary goal is to minimize payouts. If you don’t have legal representation, the insurance adjuster may try to offer you a settlement that’s far less than what your car accident claim is worth.
By hiring a car accident attorney, you level the playing field. Your lawyer will communicate with the insurance adjuster, handle negotiations, and ensure that you receive a fair settlement.
Maximizing Your Compensation
An experienced car accident lawyer will carefully evaluate all losses in your car accident case. This includes medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and any other damages you may be entitled to under personal injury law.
Whether your case is resolved through negotiation or goes to trial, your attorney will be prepared to fight for the maximum compensation possible.
Preparing for Trial
While most car accident claims are settled out of court, some cases may go to trial. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, having a good car accident lawyer who is experienced in trial litigation is essential. They will prepare your case, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and present a strong argument in court. Going to trial on your own can be overwhelming and significantly reduce your chances of success.
What an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer Will Do for You
Hiring a car accident attorney provides you with more than just legal advice. Here are some of the specific tasks your attorney will handle on your behalf:
Investigating the Accident
One of the first things your lawyer will do is investigate the accident to gather evidence. This can include collecting witness statements, reviewing police reports, and analyzing accident scene photos. A good car accident lawyer will review medical records, consult with experts if necessary, and build a strong argument to support your claim.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Your car accident attorney will handle all communications with the insurance companies involved. This includes negotiating a fair settlement. They will ensure that the insurance company doesn’t try to take advantage of you by offering a lowball settlement or denying your claim unjustly.
Handling Legal Procedures and Deadlines
There are many legal procedures involved in a car accident case, from filing legal documents to meeting court deadlines. Your attorney will handle all of this for you, allowing you to focus on your recovery. They will ensure that your case moves forward efficiently and that all legal requirements are met.
Under Georgia law, you generally have two years from the accident to file a car accident lawsuit. However, exceptions to this rule exist, and missing the deadline could mean losing your right to pursue compensation. A car accident lawyer will make sure your case is filed on time.
Representing You in Court
If your case goes to trial, your car accident attorney will represent you in court. They will present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and make legal arguments on your behalf. Having a lawyer by your side significantly increases your chances of obtaining a favorable verdict.
How Much Will It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Attorney?
One of the most common concerns is the cost of hiring a car accident lawyer. Fortunately, most personal injury lawyers, including those at Ross Moore Law, work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you don’t pay any upfront legal fees. Instead, your attorney will take a percentage of the settlement or court award once your case is successfully resolved.
A contingency fee arrangement means that you only pay your lawyer if they win your case. The fee is typically a percentage of the total settlement or judgment you receive. In most car accident cases, the contingency fee is between 33% and 40% of the final award.
Contact Ross Moore Law Today
In almost every case, hiring a car accident lawyer is worth it. At Ross Moore Law in Atlanta, we’ve seen firsthand how much of a difference legal representation can make for car accident victims. Whether you’re dealing with a minor car accident or a more serious crash, a skilled attorney can help you recover the full compensation you deserve.
By hiring a car accident attorney, you gain an advocate who will fight for your best interests, handle the legal complexities of your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process. Plus, you can hire an attorney without any financial risk. Your lawyer gets paid once your case is successful.
If you’ve been injured in a car crash, don’t hesitate to reach out to a car accident lawyer today. Contact Ross Moore Law for a free consultation and learn how we can help you navigate the legal process and pursue the compensation you’re entitled to.